Sheffield United midfielder Lee Evans left the club to join Wigan Athletic on deadline day, and the Blades boss Chris Wilder has explained the reason why.
[ad_pod ]
The 24-year-old only moved to Bramall Lane from the DW Stadium back in January for a fee of £750,000 but has now agreed a six-month loan before the move becomes permanent on January 1.
Evans will sign a two-and-a-half year deal with the Latics when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.
The midfielder made 19 appearances for the Blades last term and started their season opener this year at home to Swansea City last weekend, but has now departed.
And manager Wilder has explained that the return of a key man is what made his mind up to let the Wales international leave the club.
The Blades boss told the Yorkshire Post: “One of the big things is the return of Coutts.
“We brought Lee in, hopefully thinking Coutts was going to be okay, but there was no guarantee on that.
“We have done a deal, brought someone in who has covered for us for seven months, and Paul’s return is hopefully four to six weeks away.
“The player we are bringing in is a different type, who complements the chemistry we have, what we want to achieve and go with.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, though. He isn’t going to start scoring 15 goals a season, clearing one off the line at one end, then smacking a volley in at the other end.
“Everybody recognises the quality he brings, and how hard he has worked to get back.”
The Verdict
Wilder’s thinking is dangerous and could backfire.
Yes, he is looking to bring another two players in on loan but with Evans leaving, but Coutts still four to six weeks away, so could the move not have waited?
John Fleck and the injured midfielder built up a solid partnership in the middle of the pitch, one that helped the Blades escape League One.
If Coutts suffers a recurrence of the injury the Evans exit could look naive having been a big part of the side for the past eight months.
United’s boss knows what he is doing so he best hope when the Coutts returns, his injury doesn’t affect him.